Did you know that thousands of people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and yet the cause of it is unknown? April is National Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. IBS is an intestinal disorder that causes a range of symptoms including cramping, bloating, and pain in the abdominal area as well as gas, diarrhea, and…

Can you believe that Passover is around the corner? If you are like me, you know that it’s never too soon to start planning! The cleaning has started, but have you thought about making up your menus and shopping list?   Food is a big part of any celebration, especially Passover, that’s why it’s important…

Did you know that increasing levels of stress can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease? When your body is under stress, there is a surge of hormones, such as cortisol, which will increase blood pressure. Stress can also raise blood sugar levels, which can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Getting…

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to Passover, my days, if not weeks, leading up to it are so busy I barely have a second to breathe. There are multiple trips to the grocery store followed by nights in the kitchen preparing for the holiday.   I know I’m not alone.  …

Raisins are often referred to as “nature’s candy” because of their inherent sweetness that comes from the crystallization of sugars during drying. Raisins have been enjoyed for thousands of years by many different cultures. Throwback a handful of these sweet treats and give them extra praise because today, April 30th is National Raisin Day!  …

The weather is finally beginning to get nice, which means more time outdoors. There is something about eating outside that just elevates a meal and makes every food taste that much better. Celebrate the warm weather and delicious food for National Picnic Day today, April 23rd!   The best part about a picnic is that…

What’s a distinctly smelly vegetable, belongs to the lily family, and goes with just about any dish? If you guessed garlic, you’re right! Garlic is an extremely versatile ingredient with loads of nutritional benefits. What better way to celebrate this special, but stinky, vegetable than on National Garlic Day? On April 19th, grab your garlic and…

Your exercise routine has probably looked a bit different over the past year. Due to shutdowns and quarantining, you may not be as active as you once were. That is why celebrating National Move More Month this April is more important now than ever. This means-get up, get out, and start moving, safely!   The…

Did you know that the United States is the top pecan grower in the world? Celebrate this extra special nut that is the only nut native to North America for National Pecan Day on April 14th!   There are many different varieties of pecans: Cape Fear, Moreland, Curtis, and Desirable, just to name a few….

Did you know that raisins are just dehydrated grapes that people have been eating for thousands of years? Humans have been indulging their sweet tooth with raisins since BCE! On April 30th crack open up a box of these sweet dried grapes for National Raisin Day!   While they are commonly referred to as “nature’s…

Did you know that garlic is at its most flavorful shortly after being cut? The pungent smell and flavor are a result of the garlic cells being broken down. Celebrate this aromatic food for National Garlic Day on April 19th.   Garlic has a myriad of health properties that make it a superfood. It produces…

The American Heart Association has declared April to be National Move More Month! The AHA’s goal is to raise awareness on the benefits of regular physical activity. It is believed that just 30 minutes a day can provide you with several health benefits.   Regular movement is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. There…

This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Public Health Week! Celebrated the first full week of April, National Public Health Week, commonly abbreviated NPHW, focuses on many different dimensions of health and wellness.   Every day of the week has a different theme advocating for awareness on different aspects of health. Most years, NPHW…

Did you know that April is dedicated to making advances in fighting cancer for National Cancer Control Month? This month serves to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment. According to predictions made by the American Cancer Society, 1.8 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year.   This alarming statistic shows the importance…

One of the foods celebrated in April is soy, so I figured it would be appropriate to highlight edamame in this month’s monthly morsels. Edamame are young immature soybeans that are harvested before the beans are allowed time to ripen. The beans are contained in a fuzzy and fibrous inedible shell and are typically boiled,…

These edamame pods are great as an appetizer, snack or side dish. They are crunchy, flavorful and fun to eat. Substitute a serving of these when you need a snack and you’ll never crave potato chips again!

This is a quick salad to assemble that makes a refreshing side dish to any meal.

I used to think that celery was the dullest of all of the vegetables. I used to resent its mild, watery flavor. Who knows, perhaps it was an immature palate that steered me away from celery. But boy things have changed. April is National Celery Month and a great time to start making healthy food…